What Influences Speech Pathology Practice for Children with Complex Communication Needs from Multilingual Families? An Australian Perspective

BACKGROUND: Supporting the development of children with complex communication needs, including development of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems is a multifaceted process. Currently this support does not consistently meet the needs of multilingual families and there is little research to guide and improve practice. AIMS: The present study sought to explore influences on Australian speech pathologists' practice in their work with children with complex communication needs, in multilingual families. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Twenty-three (n = 23) Australian speech pathologists working with culturally and linguistically diverse families of children with complex communication needs were interviewed. Transcribed interview data was analysed with a Thematic Analysis approach. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Four main themes were identified in this study: 1) Expectations of speech pathology services; 2) Pervasiveness of English; 3) Working to address challenges; and, 4) Reflecting on growth and constraints. Findings demonstrate that Australian speech pathologists share many challenges with the international community of speech pathologists in this aspect of service delivery. Speech pathologists navigated differences in their own and family's perspectives and expectations relating to communication, disability and AAC. Pervasiveness of English in Australian society also presented barriers. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The wide range of cultural and language backgrounds in Australia raised challenges in access to and development of necessary and appropriate resources. Systemic restrictions impacted participants' ability to deliver services that meet families' cultural and linguistic needs. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Australian society is multicultural, yet mainstream structures such as therapy services and schools are monolingual. Families who speak a language other than English face challenges in engaging with speech pathology services that meet their needs. What this study adds to existing knowledge This paper adds the perspective of Australian speech pathologists on their work to support children with complex communication needs in multilingual families, where existing research has not included an Australian perspective. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? This expands our knowledge of issues and challenges relating to services for children with complex communication needs in Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse society, that in turn contributes to developing more appropriate services.